This bill modernizes how the federal government assesses fish populations by incorporating environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, which detects fish genetic material in water samples. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will conduct a multi-year pilot study in at least three different fisheries to test whether eDNA sampling can improve stock assessments and reduce costs compared to traditional survey methods like trawling. The legislation establishes a National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network involving 16 federal agencies to develop national standards for eDNA use, ensures water and sediment collection for eDNA analysis does not violate wildlife protection laws, and requires the government to train personnel and expand laboratory capacity to support this technology. The law authorizes unspecified funding for the pilot study and related activities, with Congress to receive annual progress reports, and calls for a comprehensive implementation plan within two years of the pilot study's start that details how eDNA methods will be integrated into federal fisheries management going forward.
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